
Daniel Oliveira has confirmed his return to World Rally competition with an entry in Rally Sweden (February 9-12), the second round of the Championship.
The Brazilian driver will pilot a Subaru Impreza Class 3 for Stohl Racing, which is led by former WRC driver Manfred Stohl.
Oliveira last ran a Subaru in December 2010 on the Rally Unquillo in Argentina, where he finished third on the podium. He campaigned a MINI John Cooper Works for the 2011 WRC season.
Carlos Magalhaes will be back in the co-driver´s seat after fully recovering from the accident he suffered on the last Rally of France.
The driver from Salvador Bahia will use this demanding Swedish test, which includes snow, to get back on the road and gain his first experience under such conditions. The Karlstad-based rally will feature 24 Special Stages, 11 of which are going to be run twice to complete 360 kilometres.
Oliveira said, “I’ll be back in Sweden after a pause and it’s going to be a good time to be in contact with the rally environment once more. Now we have the chance to compete on board the Subaru Impreza Class 3 and the idea is to experience snow rally driving. We’re planning the year together with Manfred [Stohl] and this is the only confirmed race up to now. We’re working on our budget and our 2012 WRC plan.”
Prior to his Scandinavian trip, Oliveira will travel to Austria to make contact with his team and carry out a full day test to adapt himself to the new car. He will rely on Manfred Stohl’s support, experience, and advice to guide him through the season.